Lydia A. Gawlas19310704 - 20180325

Lydia A. Gawlas, 86, passed away on March 25, 2018 in the Palliative Care Unit of Conemaugh Memorial Hospital from complications of kidney failure. She was born in Johnstown, PA, and was preceded in death by her parents, John and Susan (Krichko) Pavlo, brother John Pavlo, sister Ruth Rice, and her husband John Gawlas. She met her husband of 63 years while riding motorcycles, which was an activity that John and Lydia enjoyed together for many years. She retired from her position as Business Manager and Board Secretary at the United School District in 1977. Lydia loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, canning, and taking care of her pets and animals on the property including the deer and turkey. When visiting her homestead, beautiful walls full of flowers would greet you. She was sure to feed all visitors sending them home with a loaf of her famous zucchini bread. Her sister, Ann Polca, and two brothers, Daniel Pavlo and David Pavlo along with their wives, survive her. Lydia was the loving mother to her children, daughter Deborah and husband James Peters of Bolivar, PA, son Thomas and wife Terry of Hummelstown, PA, and daughter Rebecca of Armagh, PA. She was always available to offer help, wise advice, and be a loving role model for her grandchildren Shawn Griffith of Colorado, William Jones and his partner Andrew Thornton of Ligonier, PA, and Adam Jones and his wife Erin of Clyde, PA. She enjoyed spending every Friday afternoon with the newest members of the family, her great-grandchildren, Noah and Alydia Jones. She will be sorely missed by everyone including Spooky and Cricket. It was Lydia’s request that there be no public visitation or viewing. Her family wishes to thank the Palliative Care Unit of Conemaugh Memorial Hospital for their tender care during this difficult time. Memorial donations may be made in Lydia’s name to the Palliative Care Unit, Conemaugh Health Foundation, 1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15905, or to the animal rescue group Paws across Pittsburgh, 346 Orchard Street, Springdale, PA 15144.